Welp, that election did not go as I expected.
I am devastated. Crushed. Gutted. Somehow, this time hurt worse than last time. I really did have hope. I could not (and did not) believe that the ancient, racist, misogynist, traitorous, rapist felon, fraudster, who was twice impeached, stole government documents, and incited an insurrection to overthrow the government would or could get elected again.
It does not compute. But here we are. Unbelievable. It’s been a week and I am truly still in shock. Whereas last time I was reading every exit poll and opinion piece to try to understand the voters who elected him, I am not at all interested this time around. I’m not. I don’t care.
I’m in the “fuck them” stage of post-election grief. It’s sort of like the “Let Them” philosophy – let the ignorant cult members wallow in the consequences of their actions. Let them enter the “find out” stage of FAFO.
I’m a privileged, middle aged, childless white woman in a debt-free (other than mortgages), double-income household, so many of the plans in Project 2025 only impact those I love and the communities I care about. They won’t impact me directly.
So, I’m back in full pandemic mode. I’ll stay hunkered down at our peaceful, quiet cabin in the country, as much as I can, where I have almost no interactions with other people. I’m focusing on the things I can control, and saying fuck all the way off to the people and things who do not align with my beliefs.
(I do not keep track of my followers or subscribers so if you want to unfollow or unsubscribe, go ahead. I promise, I won’t even notice that you are gone.)
I’m keeping my circle small and supporting my chosen communities, including donating to Elevated Access, an organization of volunteer pilots that transports patient to states where they can access needed abortion care and gender-affirming healthcare. I will aid and assist anyone who needs an abortion, for whatever reason, in any way I can. I will continue to show up for and loudly support my LGBTQ+ friends.
I’ve been avoiding any type of news, a feat which has not been easy for me, a self-confessed news junkie. No more checking Google News multiple times a day. No more daily emails from Washington Post, Axios and Vox. No more subscription to the NYTimes. No turning on CNN or MSNBC in the evening. Not even listening to NPR in the morning, which was my daily habit. I’ve just been enjoying quiet, contemplative mornings and watching low-stake Bravo shows and Netflix movies or series. The only podcasts I’m listening to on my daily nature walks are not news-related. No “The Daily” or “Pod Saves America.”
I’m intentionally practicing extravagant self-care, with lots of luxury lotions and potions, and long bubble baths. On the skincare front especially, I’ve added steps, tools and products, and I’ve been taking my time really massaging my face, which seems to calm my mind a bit. Not sure why, but it does.
I’ve been burning all my expensive candles and spraying my fanciest linen spray on everything. I’ve been setting aside time to read books and connect with nature. I’ve been clearing spaces and organizing. The cats are thrilled because I’m spending extra time grooming and playing with them. I sneak in a nap with them when I can. Mostly, I’m just doing everything slowly and intentionally (even house cleaning) and really focusing on the present moment.
And, I’m trying to write, which is sometimes easier said than done, but I’ll keep at it. I know I have a book or two in me. The next four years will be the perfect time to focus on that and tune out everything else going on.
And, of course, rather than worrying about the future of this country, I’ll continue to dig into the past, dipping back into my little genealogy project here and there, when time permits it.
So that’s it. That’s how I’m coping. My heart is broken and I’m sure it will continue to be broken by the 74 million Americans who voted for that tangerine traitor but it’s on them now. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I’ll just be over here with my glowing skin, waiting for the next four years to be over.
